Walks · Leonidio
A 17th-century monastery built into a shallow cave high above the Dafnon valley. Walk up from the valley or drive the cliff road, and see why it is one of the most striking sights in Kynouria.
The short answer
The monastery of Agios Nikolaos Sintzas sits at about 500 metres in a steep, red-tinged part of Mount Parnon, tucked inside a natural cave so the rock itself forms the roof of the main church.
Church documents mention it as early as 1622, and a plaque inside is dated 1783. The buildings are carved into the surrounding cliff and are in good condition, with a carefully carved iconostasis in the main church.
You can drive most of the way on a 12 km dirt road from Leonidio, or walk it in about an hour and a half. We recommend the walk, or a drive and a short walk, on a day that is not too hot.
Written by the Sampatiki Suites team. Updated September 2026.
Altitude
About 500 m
By road
12 km of dirt road
On foot
About 90 minutes
Name day
8 September
Getting there
On foot
The walk from Leonidio goes along the Dafnon valley and climbs to the monastery, about an hour and a half each way. Start early, carry water and wear proper shoes.
By car
A 12 km dirt road climbs from Leonidio. The last stretch is narrow and steep, so drive slowly and be ready to let others pass.
Along the way
Ancient caves along the path show where hermits lived before the monastery was built.
Our tip
Go in the morning, when the light is soft on the red cliff and the path is cool.
At the monastery
The church
The main church is built in a shallow cave. The overhanging rock is part of the building.
The icons
The main church has a finely carved iconostasis, and higher up there are fourteen more iconostases with scenes from the lives of the apostles.
The name
The name probably comes from the local Tsakonian word for fig tree, perhaps a tree that once grew in the cave.
The feast
The monastery celebrates its saint in early September, when the area comes alive.
Visiting well
Dress
This is a place of worship. Bring a light layer to cover up.
Hours
Opening times for small monasteries change. Ask us and we will confirm.
Water and shoes
There are no facilities at the monastery.
Combine
Pair it with a visit to Elona monastery for two very different cliff monasteries.
From us at Sampatiki
Ask reception about timing and opening hours, and we will check before you set out.
Keep exploring
Questions
What is Agios Nikolaos Sintzas?
A 17th-century monastery built inside a natural cave on the slopes of Mount Parnon above Leonidio.
How do you get to Agios Nikolaos Sintzas?
By a 12 km dirt road from Leonidio, or on foot in about an hour and a half.
How high is the monastery?
About 500 metres above sea level.
Can you visit the monastery?
Yes. It is a place of worship, so dress modestly and check opening times before you go.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for the walk. In summer, go early in the morning.
Is it suitable for children?
The walk is long and the road is steep, so it suits older children. By car and a short walk, it is easier.
Stay with us
Eleven sea-view suites, a spa and a breakfast built around local produce, a few minutes from Leonidio.
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